Yarrenyty-Arltere Artists

Yarrenyty Arltere Artists is about family and community. Is it about celebrating the innovation, creativity and diversity of Yarrenyty Arltere Town Camp artists. It is about having a localised art program that is open to all Yarrenyty Arltere Town Camp community members. It is about creating a safe and non judgemental environment in which people can work, access services, plan for the future. It is about working together to create a successful and healthy enterprise. An enterprise that is strong because of the people that work there, that is strong because of the social, emotional and cultural capital that is shared daily. This vibrant dynamic art centre located in the heart of Alice Springs in the Larapinta Valley Town Camp is all about the people that work there daily, their families, their community, their culture. It is about a great future in which the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists are directing for themselves!

The art makes us think of our culturein another wayand what we want people to know.Its good for everyoneto have a place like thisit helps us be part of both worlds.

— Dulcie Sharpe

coming together to make thingsmakes community

— Raymond Ebatarinja

Originally established in 2000 as a response to the chronic social issues faced by the town camp, Yarrenyty Arltere Town Camp Artists started as an arts training project. In 2002 the community identified the enterprise as a goal and in 2008 the enterprise was established. Now a vibrant and dynamic hub, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists is seen as an important part in rebuilding strength in the community and creating economic access for people, many of whom had not been engaged previously in the workforce. Now people are participating in regular work, there is a vehicle for social inclusiveness and the activities in the art centre have provided real and engaging pathways into the wider society.

The enterprise impacts positively on the whole community. It is a program that facilitates healing and nurtures well being. It has enhanced personal capacity, self reliance and self esteem. The activities also provide a place where people can relax and de-stress. It is an important part in the community's success in decreasing volatile substance abuse and building resilience.